A PLAN to tackle high alcohol abuse rates among youngsters have been launched at a resort.

The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy was launched in Scarborough yesterday by the North Yorkshire Coast Community Partnership.

Figures released by the partnership show hospital admissions in the area due to alcohol are higher than those nationally.

The figures also show young people in the borough drink more than in other areas of North Yorkshire.

The partnership also claims three quarters of domestic abuse incidents reported in the borough are related to alcohol.

Jo Ireland, co-ordinator for the partnership, said: "Many people enjoy alcohol without causing harm to themselves or those around them. But like many other parts of the county, the borough has a serious and growing problem with alcohol misuse, the effects of which can be devastating for individuals, their families and local communities, as well as having serious resource implications for local service providers."

The group plans many initiatives to reduce alcohol problem across the Scarborough area, including running alcohol abuse awareness campaigns and promoting responsible drinking.